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Fat loss

Adipotide

Proapoptotic peptide that kills off adipose-tissue blood vessels; pulled from development after it damaged kidneys in human trials.

Discontinued (Phase 1 nephrotoxicity) Fat loss

Reviewed 2026-09-12
Full name
CKGGRAKDC-GG-D-KLAKLAK-2 (proapoptotic peptide targeting adipose vasculature)
Also known as
FTPP, peptide CKGGRAKDC-KLAKLAK-2
Regulatory status
Discontinued (Phase 1 nephrotoxicity) | Research chemical only

Origin

Arrowhead Research built it as a targeted anti-angiogenesis strategy for obesity: an RGD homing motif binds integrin-expressing endothelial cells in white adipose tissue, fused to a proapoptotic KLAKLAK-2 domain. Efficacy in obese primates led to Phase 1 human trials in 2012, discontinued in 2019 for dose-limiting nephrotoxicity.

Mechanism

The RGD sequence binds integrin-expressing endothelial cells in adipose vasculature; the KLAKLAK domain then permeabilizes the membrane and triggers apoptosis. Killing the vessels starves adipocytes of oxygen and shrinks fat tissue directly, with no appetite or glucose pathway involved.

Research summary

Evidence

In obese rhesus monkeys, 0.43 mg/kg/day for 28 days produced about 11% body weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. Phase 1 human trials hit dose-limiting renal toxicity: elevated creatinine and BUN, acute tubular injury. Development was abandoned, and no human efficacy data beyond preliminary reports was ever published.

Evidence tier: Discontinued (Phase 1 nephrotoxicity) — see the methodology note for how this is assessed.

Citations

Reported benefits

  • weight loss in preclinical primate models (11% over 28 days)
  • weight-independent metabolic improvements in animal models

Dosing protocols reported in the literature & community

These are protocols reported by compounding pharmacies, published trials, or self-experimentation communities — not a prescription. Start low, especially for anything new.

Reported dosing protocols
RouteReported protocol
Intravenous or subcutaneous injectionPreclinical primate studies used 0.43 mg/kg/day; no validated human dose exists.

Side effects

  • acute kidney injury
  • elevated serum creatinine
  • elevated BUN
  • acute tubular necrosis
  • fatigue

Safety notes

Safety: Caused dose-limiting renal toxicity in humans and was discontinued in 2019. There's no antidote or reversal strategy. Self-experimentation risks acute renal failure.
Community & reddit notes (anecdotal — not clinical evidence)

Cited in biohacker circles as a cautionary tale, not a protocol. Black-market 'adipotide' is often misidentified or contaminated. Not recommended.